| A STUDY ON THE
RAPTURE
Section
1 - Introduction
Introduction
There seem to be so many
interpretations on the teaching of Scripture concerning this topic of the
'Rapture'. Some are fantastically far-fetched, the result of some
very active imaginations. Film-makers have been having a hey-day with such
freedom to experiment on 'End Time' scenarios for a hit at the box-office.
But, for the man on the street, all these present a confusing array of
plausibilities to select from. This should not be the case for believers.
We should want to know the truth of this matter which intimately concerns
our welfare - both for now and for the future. We have the
source to refer to to verify the facts.
Because of this plethora
of interpretations, rather than deal directly with this much-expected event,
it would be better to present a background to it so that its contexts become
more certain. And, as this event is usually confused with that of the coming
of Christ to set up the earthly kingdom, it would be more complete to look
at that event, too, to notice the contrasts and differences in order
to clearly distinguish the one from the other.
To begin with, the word 'rapture'
does not appear as such in Scripture. It comes from the Latin 'rapere'
which is the equivalent of the Greek 'harpazö'. This word means
to
snatch and carry away much like a wolf its prey (Jn.10:12).
The
Scriptures
Scripture is the written
word of God given by inspiration through many writers and over a wide span
of time. It is God's revelation of Himself to mankind through
various modes and operations. Those who are
enabled to recognise
and acknowledge this have in their hands a manual for a worthy walk with
God through the living Word, His Son Jesus Christ.
2Tim.3:16,17
All scripture is inspired by God,
and is beneficial
for
teaching, for exposure, for correction, for discipline in righteousness,
that
the man of God may be equipped,
fitted
out for every good act.
Heb.1:1,2
By many
portions and many modes, of old,
God,
speaking to the fathers in the prophets,
in
the last of these days speaks to us in a Son,…
This same inspired Scripture
also advises us to be careful in our handling of its revelation
and, while noting similarities in its parts, to reverently differentiate
the things that differ in its messages to its relevant target audiences.
2Tim.2:15
Endeavor
to present yourself to God qualified,
an
unashamed
worker, correctly cutting the word of truth.
The
Divisions of Scripture
The Scriptures are usually
divided into two sections - God’s revelation given before the Logos
came in the flesh as Jesus Christ (Jn.1:14; Lk.1:31), and that given since
that particular event. It also happens that the earlier revelation is written
in the Hebrew language (except for parts which were in Chaldee,
or Aramaic) while the latter is in the Greek. This is, thus,
generally accepted as the more 'natural' division.
In studying the Hebrew
writings, it is quite evident that from the call of Abraham, through the
giving of the law on Mt Sinai, and onwards, God deals with one special
and chosen people - the descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob,
the
nation of Israel. God works with Israel as one nation in contrast to
His not working with the other nations. References to these other
nations are merely incidental to His operation with His chosen people.
The covenant of circumcision (Gen.17) and that of the Sabbath
(Ex.16) distinctly marked the physical descendants of Abraham. The law
given through a messenger to Moses on Mt Sinai was exclusively the
possession of Israel (Deut.4:5-8). The religious system of worship and
ceremony of this people is commonly known as Judaism. This is the context
until the advent of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
The study of the Greek
scriptures,
on the other hand, needs special attention to details if confusion is to
be avoided. These begin with the accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus,
focussing on His Death, Resurrection and Ascension as well as on the ministry
of the twelve apostles, and finish with the visions of John into the Day
of the Lord and the New Heavens and New Earth.
This segment of Scripture,
however, has a parenthetical section, the context of which most
Christians are not quite cognizant of. Except for this section, the target
audience, the intended recipients, of Scripture continues to be Israel,
to the same people who had been given the covenants of Circumcision,
the Sabbath, and that of Sinai. Here, on the other hand,
God broadcasts a special message to the nations!
It is in this section
of the Greek scriptures that the subject of the Rapture is introduced
together with its relevant background and the reasons for its occurrence.
November 2001
Back to:
....Main
menu of articles
Proceed to:
....Section
2 - God's Different Operations
...................
- The Different Evangels of Scripture
....Section
3 - The Different Operations of Holy
Spirit
...................
- The Nations Are Being Called Now
...................
- What Lies Ahead
....Section
4 - Post-Rapture Operations
....Section
5 - The Second Coming of Jesus Christ
...................
- Comparison Between Rapture and Second Coming
....Section
6 - Conclusions
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